Giants Trade Rumors: Evan Engram Interests Multiple Teams Ahead of NFL Deadline

New York Giants tight end Evan Engram is reportedly generating interest from "multiple" teams ahead of Tuesday's 2021 NFL trade deadline.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Wednesday there's "genuine affinity league-wide" for Engram despite injury issues that have often prevented his production from matching his talent.

The 27-year-old Ole Miss product missed the first two games during the 2021 season because of a calf injury suffered during the preseason. He also dealt with a calf injury last year but didn't sit out any games en route to his first Pro Bowl selection.

In all, Engram has missed 16 of a possible 71 regular-season games because of injury since the Giants selected him in the first round of the 2017 draft.

His best statistical season came as a rookie when he recorded 64 catches for 722 yards and six touchdowns while making 15 appearances. He tallied 63 receptions for 654 yards last year but found the end zone just once as part of a Giants offense that struggled without running back Saquon Barkley.

In turn, Fowler noted the Giants "could be faced with a decision" on whether to move on from the tight end before the deadline.

His contract situation could be a key factor in that decision.

Engram is playing the final year of his rookie contract and can become an unrestricted free agent at season's end if an agreement isn't reached on an extension.

If the sides haven't made progress toward a new deal, or the Giants are hesitant to offer him lucrative extension given his injury history, it would make sense to find a deal before the deadline to recoup some value before he hits the open market.

In September, Engram didn't provide a direct answer on whether he wanted to stay in New York after being booed by the home fans during a Week 3 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

"I'm more focused on playing for my team and my teammates," Engram told reporters. "Obviously it's not ideal, and it's something that you don't want to see or hear, but my focus is playing better football for my teammates and my team and giving our supporters something to cheer about."

All things considered, it may be best for the Giants to take the best offer available and move on, but it shouldn't come as a surprise if the tight end finally breaks out in a major way if he lands within a more high-powered passing attack.